Socket for an elongated tubular lamp having contact pins at its ends



Nov. 20, 1951 J. SEMEYN 2,575,597

socxm FOR AN ELONGATED TUBULAR LAMP HAVING CONTACT PINS AT ITS ENDS Filed March 15, 1947 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 INVENTOR JOHANNESSEMEYN 1 1 at 27 $50M ATTORNEYS Nov. 20, 1951 J. SEMEYN SOCKET FOR AN ELONGATED TUBULAR LAMP HAVING CONTACT PINS AT ITS ENDS 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed March 13, 1947 INVENTOR. JOHAMVES ASEMM M, M Wm M A 7' 7' ORA/E Y5 Patented Nov. 20, 1951 4 SOCKET FOR AN ELONGATED TUBULAR LAMP HAVING CONTACT PINS AT ITS ENDS Johannes Semeyn, Eindhoven, Netherlands, as-

signor to Hartford National Bank and Trust Company, Hartford, Conn, as trustee Application March 13, 1947, Serial No. 734,527 In the Netherlands February 1, 1946 Section 1, Public Law 690, August 8, 1948 Patent expires February 1, 1966 7 Claims. (Cl. 173-328) This invention relates to a holder for apparatus to be supplied with electric energy, more particularly electric discharge tubes, provided with two parallel supply pins on at least one end which are inserted into a holder. The holder is provided with a guide channel, in one of its transverse surfaces which is accessible from the side (inlet side) for these pins and with two slots for the pins, which slots are arranged at both sides of the said channel and communicate with this channel. Contact members, which contact with the said pins in the operating position of the apparatus are provided behind the said transverse surface in the proximity of the slots.

The invention will be described with reference to the appended drawing in which:

Fig. 1 shows a holder of well known form,

Figure la is a schematic showing of the lamp pins, the distance between them, and their direction of movement in the guide channel of the socket.

Fig. 2 is a schematic showing of the center lines of the guide channel and slots of the holder of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic showing of the center line of the guide channel and slots of a holder in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 3a shows a holder in accordance with Fig. 3,

Fig. 4 is a schematic showing of another embodiment of the invention,

Fig.4a is a showing of a holder of the form shown in Fig. 4,

Fig. 5 is a schematic showing of a further embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5a shows a holder in accordance with Fig. 5,

Fig. 6 is a schematic showing of still another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 6a shows a holder of the form shown in Fig. 6,

Fig. 7 is a schematic showing of an embodiment of the invention in which slots similar to those of Fig. 4 are symmetrically doubled with respect to the guide channel.

Fig. 7a shows a holder in accordance with Fig. 7.

Figure 8 shows a modified form of holder shown in Fig. 5, and Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the holder taken on line IXIX of Fig. 8.

Figure 1 of the drawing represents the transverse surface of a conventional holder of the type described above in which I and 2 designate the supply pins of an elongated gas-discharge tube, which co-operate with the holder. A cross-section of the pins prior to the introduction into the holder is shown in Fig. 1a. The spacing between the center lines of the pins, indicated in the drawing by the centers of the circular sections of the pins, is designated d. The pins are moved in the direction of arrow 3 in the guide channel 4, accessible from the side (inlet side), till the lower pin 2 reaches the end of this channel, whereupon they are turned about their symmetry axis 5, which in gas-discharge tubes, may often coincide with the longitudinal axis of the tube, simultaneously with the tube, through The term symmetry axis of the pins is to be understood to mean the line which extends parallel with the pins and midway between the center lines of-the pins. The slots constitute an annular guide which permit rotation in a clock-wise or anti-clockwise direction (right-handed or lefthanded rotation). For one of these rotary movements two opposite quadrants of the annular slot are used, which initiate from different parts of the channel. If the discharge tube is provided with two supply pins at the other end, also, they may be introduced into a second holder of the same construction, the quadrants corresponding to those not used in the first holder then being utilized. If only one direction of rotation of the tube is required, only the slot parts actually used the other end, a holder of different shape will be required for this other end.

Assuming that pins I and 2 are turned in an anti-clockwise direction from the channel 4, they reach the operating position designated I and 2' where they contact with electric contact members 8 and I which are provided in the holder behind the transverse surface shown in the proximity of the slots.

The parts of the slots required for the anticlockwise rotation assumed, as well as the channel and the operating position of the pins are shown in Figure 2 where only the lines of intersection of the central surfaces of the slots and the channel with the transverse surface of the holder are shown. Consequently, the pins are successively introduced into the channel 4 in the direction of the arrow 3 (Figure la) and then they are simultaneously turned through 90 in the slots 8 and 9 respectively about their symmetry axis 5 till reaching the operating position designated l' and 2'. The point to is important for the shape of the holder. This point In is the point of intersection of the line of intersection, normal to the transverse surface, of the central surfaces of slot 8 and channel 4 with the transverse surface and will hereinafter be referred to as the tapping point of the first slot. The slot 8, in effect, is the first slot met by the first pin upon introduction into the channel 4. To prevent one of the pins (in Figure 1, pin I) remaining outside the holder due to a wrong manipulation upon introducing the pins, the edge of the holder must everywhere he more remote from point [B than the distance (1 less half the diameter of one pin. To furthermore prevent pin 1 from being touched upon introduction of the pins, while pin 2 is erroneously introduced into slot 8 where it contacts with the contact member 6, the lentgh of the part of the channel 4 from the inlet side to point II] should exceed the distance d plus half the diameter of one pin. This requires that at least the upper part of the holder be rounded in the form of a semi-circle, the radius of which slightly exceeds 11.

The invention avoids the inherent defect of known holders in that the operating position of the apparatus is frequently incorrect. If, for example, the apparatus is a rod-shaped discharge lamp of circular section ll (Figure l), the longitudinal axis of the lamp would often coincide with the symmetry axis 5 of the pins, due to which the projecting part of the holder would cast a shadow. Similar difficulties may also occur with other electrical apparatus.

According to the invention the slots are so shaped that the distance between the symmetry axis 5 of the pins in the operating position of the apparatus and the line of inter-section of the central surfaces of the channel and the first slot from the inlet side onwards is smaller than half the distance d between the center lines of the pins.

This is achieved in one embodiment of the invention, in which the slots have portions which extend parallel to the symmetry plane of the pins in the operating position of the apparatus. The term symmetry plane of the pins is to be understood to mean the plane through the symmetry axis of the pins, which plane is normal to the plane extending through the centre lines of the pins.

In another embodiment the first slot is so shaped as to permit one of the pins to be brought through this slot into the operating position, whereas the other pin remains in the channel, the second slot being so shaped as to permit the last-mentioned pin to be moved through this slot into the operating position,

whereas the first-mentioned pin remains in its operating position. In this case the first slot may extend according to an arc of a circle in the transverse surface, the radius of which circle is equal to the distance d, and the centre of the circle lies in the symmetry plane of the pins in the operating position. The center of the circle may then be located in the inlet part of the transverse surface. The first slot may also extend according to the plane through the center lines of the pins in the operating position.

In order to permit the apparatus to be turned both anticlockwise and clockwise when introduced into the holder, the slots may be symmetrically doubled with respect to the symmetry plane of the pins in the operating position of the apparatus.

The several embodiments of the invention described above and the various features of the invention will now be described in greater down with reference to Figs. 3 to 9.

The difference between the conventional holder shown in Figure 2 and the improved holder according to the invention, as shown in Figs. 3 and 30. consists in that the slots 8 and 9 in the form of a quarter circle are prolonged by slot parts 8 and 9'. These parts extend parallel to channel 4 at a distance 11/2 and terminate at the points i and 2' which indicate the operating positions of the pins of the apparatus. In this case channel 4 extends parallel to and coincident with symmetry plane of the pins in the operating position of the apparatus. In this holder the pins are moved, upon introduction down to the bottom end of the channel, simultaneously through the slot parts 8 and 9 in the same manner as with the conventional holder. Thereupon the pins are simultaneously moved upwards through the slot parts 8 and 9' which permits several operating positions of the apparatus to be reached with respect to the tapping point [0 of the first slot. In Figs. 3 and 3a points 5 and I0 coincide.

In order that the pins may be brought nearer to the tapping point ID a different shape may be chosen for the slots in such manner that the operating positions ,of the pins are directly reached from the channel through shorter slots. Figures 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6 and 6a represent such forms of the slots.

In the holder shown in Figs. 4 and 4a, the first slot [2 extends in an arc of a circle, the radius of which is equal to the distanced and the center of which is at the bottom end of channel 4. In the holder shown in Figs. 5 and 5a, the first slot l4 also extends in an arc of a circle, the radius of which is equal to the distance d. In this case, however, the center of the arc is located at the upper part of channel 4. In the form of construction shown in Figs. 6 and 6a the first slot extends on the line l-2'.

- In all three cases the second slot I3, [5 and I1 respectively extend in an arc of a circle having a radius equal to d (drawn from the operating position i of the pin in the first slot).

In the holder shown in Figs. 4 and 4a, the apparatus is turned, upon introduction of the pins into channel 4, first about the lower pin in the bottom end of channel 4, so that the upper pin is moved from the tapping point l0 through the slot l2 to position I, where this pin is held, so that upon a further rotation of the apparatus the lower pin is moved through the slot is into the operating position 2. The distance between points 5 and I0 is smaller than 0.5d viz. equal to 0.134d.

In the holder according to Figs. 5 and 5a, the upper pin is moved, on turning the apparatus, from the tapping point I!) through the slot H to I. Since the distance between I and the bottom end of channel 4 exceeds d, the lower pin must, in this case, move slightly upwards and more particularly to a point 0.268 d higher, where the second slot l5 branches off. The first pin being at I, the second pin, upon a further rotation of the apparatus, enters the slot l5 and traverses it until the pin reaches the operating position 2'. In this case the axis of symmetry 5 passes through the tapping point l0 and is located slightly (0.13411) above this point.

In the holder shown in Figs. 6 and 6a the upper pin is moved, on turning the apparatus, from the tapping point It! through the straight slot I6, to In this case the lower pin remains in the bottom part of channel 4, but it slightly ascends (0.13411) to the tapping point of the second slot II. 'The first pin occupying the position I', the second pin, uponafurthe'r rotation of the apparatus, enters the slot I I and traverses it to the operating position 2'. In this case points 5 and I coincide.

In the holders shown in Figures 3 to 6 the apparatus is moved into its operating position by turning it in an anticlockwise direction. Adjustment by turning in a clockwise direction is also possible if the slots are images of the forms pro,- posed.

Rotationat will in both directions is possible in the case of symmetrical doubling of the slots with respect to the plane of symmetry of the pins in the operating position. In the examples given, this symmetry plane coincides with the central surfaces of channel 4.

Figs. 7 and 7a show a holder similar to that shown in Figure 4 which is capable of being turned in both directions. In this case slots I2, I2 and I3, l3 respectively are images of one another with respect to channel 4. On turning in a counter-clockwise direction slots [2 and I3 are used whereas slots l2 and II are used for turning in a clockwise direction. In the firstmentioned case the upper pin is moved into the position I' and the lower pin into 2, whereas, in the second case the upper pin is moved to 2' and the lower pin to I Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the construction of the holder having slots as designed in Figs. and 5a, suitable for clockwise rotation of the apparatus. For the sake of clarity the parts which are not essential to the invention, are omitted. The holder consists primarily of a base'2l, a cover 22, side walls 23 and two contact members 24 and 25 respectively. The base 21 and the sidewalls 23 may be made in one piece. The base 2| is provided with a U -shaped ridge 26 and with two semi-circular projecting parts 21 adjoining the side walls 23. The resilient contact members 24 and 25 engage these projecting parts 21 and the outside of the ridge 26. The ridge 26 and the projecting parts 21 serve to support the removable cover 22 which is secured to the base 2| by means of a counter-sunk screw 28 with the intermediary of ridge 26. In this holder the channel is formed by an incision 29 at the top of the holder between the side walls 23, the space between the limbs of the U-shaped ridge 26 and the vertical recess 30 of cover 22 corresponding with the said space. The arc-shaped slots 3| and 22 are formed by recesses in the cover 22, the interruptions, below these recesses, in the limbs of the U-shaped ridge 26 and the space between the base and the cover. The contact members 24 and 25 are provided below thecover 22 in the proximity of the slots. On placing the apparatus in the holder the supply pins are introduced into the channel and moved until the lower pin reaches the bottom end of the channel. The apparatus is then turned to the right, the upper pin being moved through the slot 2| and finally engaging the concave part of the resilient contact member 25. In the meantime, the lower pin has ascended in the channel up to the mouth of slot 32. Upon a further clockwise rotation of the apparatus, this pin traverses the slot 22 and pushes the resilient contact member 24 aside until the pin engages the concave part thereof.

In this form of construction the upper part of the holder is semi-circular the center of the circle being located on the center-line of the .channel on a level with the connecting line of the centers of the semi-circular ends of slots 3| and 32, and consequently on the line connecting the axes of the pins in the operatingposition of the apparatus.

In Fig. 8, similar to Fig. 1, a rod-shaped discharge lamp is shown in the operating position,

' by the circular section. In the'holder shown in Fig. 8, the circle II is concentric with the semicircular edge of the holder.

I claim:

1. A socket for electrical apparatus having two parallel supply pins spaced apart by a given distance, comprising a supporting member provided with an open-ended guide channel for said supply pins, said supporting member being further provided with a first slot open to said channel to provide a line of intersection between the central plane of said slot and the central plane of said channel and being provided with a second slot open into said channel, said first and second slots terminating at points of said supporting member which are spaced apart by the said given-distance, said terminating points having an axis of symmetry midway therebetween parallel with said line of intersection, the distance between said axis of symmetry and said line of intersection being less than half the said given distance from said line of intersection, and electrical contact members for said supply pins arranged at said terminating points.

2. A socket for electrical apparatus having two parallel supply pins spaced apart by a given distance, comprising a supporting member'provided with an open-ended guide channel for said suptance, said terminating points having an axis of symmetry midway therebetween parallel with said line of intersection, the distance between said axis of symmetry and said line of intersection being less than one-half the said given distance from said line of intersection, and electrical contact members for said supply pins arranged at said terminating points.

3. A socket for electrical apparatus having two parallel supply pins, spaced apart by a given distance comprising a supporting member provided with an open-ended guide channel for said supply pins, said supporting member being further provided with a first slot open to said channel to provide a line of intersection between the central plane of said slot and the central plane of said channel and being provided with a second slot open to said channel, said first and second slots terminating at points of said supporting member which are spaced apart, by the said given distance, said first and second slots having an axis of symmetry midway therebetween parallel with said line of intersection, the distance between said axis of symmetry and said line of intersection being less than one-half thesaid given distance from said line of intersection and said second slot being in the form of a circular are having a radius substantially equal to the said given distance and centered at the terminating point of said first slot, and electrical contact members for said supply pins arranged at said terminating points.

4. A socket for electrical apparatus having two parallel supply pins spaced apart by a given distance, comprising a supporting member provided with an open-ended guide channel for said supply pins, said supporting member being further provided with a first slot open to said channel to provide a line of intersection between the central plane of said slot and the central plane of said channel and being provided with a second slot open to said channel, said first and second slots terminating at points of said supporting member which are spaced apart by the said given distance, said first and second slots having an axis of symmetry midway therebetween parallel with said line of intersection, the distance between said axis of symmetry and said line of intersection being less than one-half the said given distance from said line of intersection, said first slot being in the form of a circular arc having a radius substantially equal to the said given distance and centered in the central plane of said channel and said second slot being in the form of a circular are having a radius substantially equal to the said given distance and centered at the terminating point of said first slot, and electrical contact members for said supply pins arranged at said terminating points.

5. A socket for electrical apparatus having two parallel supply pins spaced apart by a given distance, comprising a supporting member provided with an open-ended guide channel for said supply pins, said supporting member being further provided with a first slot open to said channel to provide a line of intersection between the central plane of said slot and the central plane of said channel and being provided with a second slot open into said channel, said first and second slots terminating at points of said supporting member which are spaced apart by the said given distance, said first and second slots having an axis of symmetry midway therebetween parallel with said line of intersection, the distance between said axis of symmetry and said line of intersection being less than one-half the said given parallel supply pins spaced apart by a given distance, comprising a supporting member provided with an open-ended guide channel for said supply pins, said supporting member being further provided with a first slot open to said channel and extending normal to the central plane of the channel to provide a line of intersection between the central plane of said slot and the central plane of said channel and being provided with a second slot open into said channel, said first and second slots terminating at points of said supporting member which are spaced apart by the said given distance, said first and second slots having an axis of symmetry midway therebetween parallel with said line of intersection, the distance between said axis of symmetry and said line of intersection being less than one-half the said given distance from said line of intersection, said second slot being in the form of a circular are having a radius substantially equal to the said given distance and centered at the terminating point of said first slot, and electrical contact members for said supply pins arranged at said terminating points.

7. A socket for electrical apparatus having two parallel supply pins spaced apart by a given distance, comprising a supporting member provided with an open-ended guide channel for said supply pins; said supporting member being further provided with a first slot open to said channel to provide a line of intersection between the central plane of said slot and the central plane of said channel and" being provided with a second distance from said line of intersection, said first slot being in the form of a circular are having a radius substantially equal to the said given distance and centered in the central plane of said channel at a point between said line of intersection and the opening of said channel and said second slot being in the form of a circular are having a radius substantially equal to the said given distance and centered at the terminating point of said first slot, and electrical contact mem bers for said supply pins arranged at said terminating points.

6. A socket for electrical apparatus having two slot open tosaid channel and third and fourth slots which are open to said channel and which are mirror images of said first and second slots about the central plane of said channel, said first and second slots terminating at points of said supporting member which are spaced apart by said given distance, said first and second slots having an axis of symmetry midway therebetween parallel with said line of intersection, the distance between said axis of symmetry and said line of intersection being less than one-half the said given distance from said line of intersection, and electrical contact members for said supply pins arranged at said terminating points. A

. JOHANNES SEMEYN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,238,152 Alden Apr. 15, 1941 2,267,145 Strong Dec. 23, 1941 2,288,940 Curtis July 7, 1942 2,467,256 Decker Apr. 12, 1949 

